The Standard Grill

The Standard Grill is a fun spot to grab a bite after a walk along NYC's High Line. I particularly loved the garden inspired accents they use to make their restaurant unique with gritty charm.
Above the bar, they have lined the shelving with long-forgotten white swan porcelain planters (ubiquitous in the 80's) and planted them with ivy (of course). The overhead lighting is indoor/outdoor industrial chic- an appropriate nod to the area's recent urban rehab. The bar itself looks like an apothecary or a medicine man's supermarket. Rows of glass jars brimming with herbs co-mingle with liquor and ice which radiates the suggestion of "roof top garden fresh". After lunch, try the ping pong next door.

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Tree Room

Town & Country had a great piece in this month's magazine featuring interior designer Muriel Brandolini. The opening photo sequence of the story displayed a bamboo laced blue stone terrace that was fantastic. The garden looked intimate and private- a fun spot to read the paper or share a meal.
These little outdoor pockets are not too difficult to achieve. Last year I designed a tea room for a client using nothing more than hedge and grass. While Muriel's bamboo curtain is pretty, it is invasive and I don't recommend it at all. I'm currently working on a pocket of my own using standard fencing and ivy. The look and feel of the room can be defined in so many interesting ways. Have fun with it!

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Sculpture Garden

I love these sculptures! I imagine them on a large property, climbing toward the house in fixed ambush. Clearly, they would be a hit with the kids.
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The High Line

The High Line is a relatively new addition to New York City's park system. Crafted from an abandoned elevated rail line it winds through the urban fabric of Lower Manhattan with the grace of a steel snake. Fantastic views, beautiful native plantings and interesting programs are found along this urban safari. Some of my fav were the lawn chairs that are attached to the defunct railway, the splash area and the amphitheatre whose stage is the street below. Genius.
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Shopping for Trees

There are so many factors that lead us in tree selection. I love the London Plane Tree because of it's bark detail. If you are looking for interesting branch structure, try a dogwood. Red Maples have the best Fall color and Redbud has amazing Spring flowers. Pear trees grow quickly and crap apples remain small.
Assess the needs of your site and pick a tree that is not only practical but also reads to your individual aesthetic. This London Plane Tree would look fabulous by a grey stucco home due to it's muted color range. From a distance, the bark would blend in with the house and the branches would appear to be floating. Love it.

Eataly

Located in New York City,Eataly is Mario Batali's emporium of Italian edibles. Brimming with just about any conceivable kind of food you can imagine, the fresh produce section is not to be missed. For a delicious and tasty dish, why not augment your harvest with magnificent selections from Batali's seasonal display?
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Fences

There are so many choices beyond standard issue fencing these days. Here are a couple of my current favs. From the beginning, determine what needs you have in mind for your fence; privacy, edging, zoning issues, noise control. If you have a pool or are considering one....check with your local zoning codes before making your decision.
I included the final photo for the paint color. I just stained my fence a light pickled grey and it looks great behind the green foliage of the yard. Walpole makes a great product for most of your needs. www.walpolewoodworkers.com
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